While a streak-free store-bought window or glass cleaner is a viable and easy option to use on your interior windows, a DIY solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water also works well. Peysakhovich recommends mixing one part vinegar with one part hot water in a clean spray bottle.
Interior windows should always be cleaned using a professional squeegee and scrubber tool for a streak-free clean. Exterior windows can be cleaned the same way but can also be cleaned using a water-fed pole for clean results without streaks.
Use old newspapers to prevent streaks
This texture will remove any grease left over by your solution. However, this will also guarantee the streak-free finish you may desire. 'Once cleaned, rub crumpled newspaper in circular motions to absorb any leftover cleaning flue and leave your window streak-free,' they explain.
If you've really got buildup, vinegar will cut through grease and grime.” Lewis says to wash the edges of the window glass first, rinse and then give the whole window a go. Next, squeegee away the excess, wiping down the squeegee with a soft cloth or clean rag every couple of strokes.
Use a cleaning solution: Like Glass-Rite cleaner! Or we also recommend a simple solution of equal parts vinegar and water, a Windex solution in water is good also. Do not use glass cleaners that are ammonia or alcohol based. They may leave streaks or make a film that attracts moisture or dust.
Alternatively, you can create a cleaning solution that is equal parts water and vinegar. Spray the glass with the solution: When your solution is ready, place it in the spray bottle and spray the windows. Next, use the microfiber cloth to rub and clean the foggy windows.
If you have smeared windows when you're finished cleaning, you've left cleaning solution, soap, or minerals behind. Whether you have white residue on windows or another blemish, the solution is the same. Clean faster, use cleaner water, and wipe away all your solution, so nothing is left behind.
Commercial window cleaners will leave a very fine wax residue, a cleaning mixture of vinegar and water alone will often result in streaky windows. To remove this wax residue a simple detergent can be added to the vinegar and water to perfectly clean your windows!
Whether you are out of name brand glass cleaner or you want to use a more natural cleaner, vinegar works wonders on windows. Try a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water for a streak-free clean. You can use a spray bottle or dip a rag in the solution, just like you would an ordinary cleaner.
Every Six Months: Windows — Wash your windows inside and out every six months to maintain a clear view out of them.
The film on the inside of house windows is caused by condensation. Condensation happens when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold windowpane and causes water to collect in droplets. It is caused by a reaction between sunlight, moisture, and dirt.
Spray a stronger mix of 1:1 water and vinegar (or Windex, or glass cleaner) at your window, so that the solution covers most of the glass. (I found Windex to work better, but if you have pets—or kids—who frequently lick outdoor windows, vinegar may be the best route for you.)
You can also use water from a bucket. Then fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and completely saturate the glass. Allow it to soak for at least 10 minutes—longer if there's serious buildup. Next, dip a scrubbing sponge into baking soda and scrub the glass.
Important: Vinegar is safe to use on windows and mirrors, but it can damage other materials due to acidity. Never use a vinegar cleaning solution on electronics (including on their glass screens). Don't use vinegar on granite or marble countertops or stone tile; instead, opt for a gentle Castile soap.
Window cleaning professionals suggest avoiding window washing on very sunny days or at a time when a window is in direct sunlight, as the heat may cause the glass to dry too quickly and cause smears.
What happens if you don't clean your home's windows? Dirty windows can reduce the natural lighting in your home and affect your indoor air quality. Over time, dirt particles weaken the structural integrity of the glass and cause discoloration.
When hard water dries on glass surfaces, it leaves behind minerals that build up and form chalky white deposits over time. This glaze looks unassuming at first, but after spending time in the sun and wind, it becomes bulkier and more difficult to remove, creating a murky haze over your glass.
Most often, you need a professional to clean up the inside of a double pane window, but you may be able to temporarily clean inside your windows by drilling and pouring in isopropyl alcohol. This is a risky solution though, and it's best to work with professionals if your double-pane window seal fails.
You can also make an all-natural window cleaning solution using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and hot water. Adding a touch of liquid soap to the vinegar solution will help remove any streak-causing wax left on the window from commercial cleaners used in the past.
Mix 1 teaspoon of this Murphy's oil soap with a gallon of water. As with dish soap, be sure to use a soft cloth and apply this mixture to the windows in smooth, circular patterns. Although these are intended to be helpful tips you should always follow the manufacturer's directions on cleansers.
Clean Outside Windows
You'll remove the first layer of dirt and make the detail work that much easier. Plus, on a summer day, you can use window washing as an excuse to splash in the water a little bit.
Paper towels are an easy go-to whenever you're cleaning glass. But, that right there is your problem. Paper towel is the number one culprit of leaving behind streaks and lint. Paper towels are typically treated for absorbency, which makes them ideal for spills, but awful for glass cleaning.
Mix up your window-cleaning solution: In a plastic spray bottle, mix together 2 cups of warm water with 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of Dawn. Sweep away dirt: Using a broom, sweep away the cobwebs and debris from the windows and sills.